The 36-year-old Ghanaian middleman will be joined on the World XI team by the likes of Didier Drogba, Ricardo Carvalho, Usain Bolt and Sir Mo Farah.

Former Tottenham Hotspurs manager Harry Redknapp will take charge of the England team alongside TV presenter Susanna Reid, while former West Ham and Bolton manager Sam Allardyce and Piers Morgan will coach the World XI team.

Ahead of the upcoming match, Essien said he is happy to be reuniting with his former teammates, adding that it’s a privilege to help Soccer Aid for UNICEF support deprived children around the world.

“It is a joy to be returning to Chelsea and play in front of a big crowd at Stamford Bridge – it feels like I’m coming home! The Soccer Aid World XI is looking strong, especially with my old team-mates Didier Drogba and Ricardo Carvalho,” he told Chelsea’s official website.

“It is a privilege to be able to play in Soccer Aid for UNICEF and help children in danger around the world.”

Essien spent 9 seasons in England while playing for Chelsea and he featured for 168 times for the Blues scoring 17 goals.